Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: receiving, by a central unit and from an element management system, one or more first messages indicating a power saving policy; determining, based on the one or more first messages, whether at least one power saving function applies to a distributed unit; determining an idle period; and after determining that the at least one power saving function applies to the distributed unit, sending, to the distributed unit and via a network connection, a second message indicating the idle period; wherein the second message comprises a common public radio interface common header, a common public radio interface extended header, and a real time control payload section indicating the idle period.
This invention relates to power management in wireless communication networks, specifically for reducing energy consumption in distributed units (DUs) of a radio access network. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of power in DUs, which can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and increased operational costs. The solution involves implementing a power-saving policy to control the idle periods of DUs, thereby optimizing energy usage. The method involves a central unit receiving one or more messages from an element management system, which contain a power-saving policy. The central unit analyzes these messages to determine whether any power-saving functions apply to a specific DU. If applicable, the central unit calculates an idle period during which the DU can enter a low-power state. The central unit then sends a message to the DU via a network connection, instructing it to enter the idle period. This message includes a common public radio interface (CPRI) common header, an extended header, and a real-time control payload section that specifies the idle period. The CPRI protocol is used to facilitate communication between the central unit and the DU, ensuring efficient transmission of power-saving instructions. This approach allows for dynamic power management, reducing energy consumption while maintaining network performance.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more first messages are one or more non-real time messages, and wherein the receiving the one or more first messages comprises receiving the one or more first messages via an interface between the central unit and the element management system.
This invention relates to communication systems, specifically methods for handling non-real-time messages between a central unit and an element management system. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of non-real-time messages in network management systems, ensuring proper communication between the central unit and the element management system. The method involves receiving one or more non-real-time messages via an interface between the central unit and the element management system. The central unit is a network device responsible for managing and controlling network elements, while the element management system oversees the configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of these network elements. Non-real-time messages are data transmissions that do not require immediate processing, allowing for scheduled or delayed delivery. The interface facilitates the exchange of these messages, ensuring that the central unit and the element management system can communicate without disrupting real-time operations. This method improves network management by enabling efficient handling of non-real-time data, reducing latency and ensuring reliable communication between the central unit and the element management system. The approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks where timely but non-urgent data must be processed without impacting real-time performance.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second message is a real time message, and wherein the sending the second message comprises sending the second message via an interface between the central unit and the distributed unit.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving real-time message transmission between network components. The problem addressed is the need for efficient, low-latency communication between a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) in a disaggregated radio access network (RAN) architecture. Traditional RAN designs often suffer from delays in real-time control signaling, which can degrade performance in time-sensitive applications like mobile broadband or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The invention describes a method for sending a real-time message from a central unit to a distributed unit via an interface between them. The central unit processes data and generates a real-time message, which is then transmitted to the distributed unit over a dedicated interface. The distributed unit receives and processes this message to perform tasks such as radio resource management, user equipment (UE) scheduling, or other real-time operations. The interface ensures low-latency communication, enabling timely execution of critical functions. The method may also involve additional steps such as message prioritization, error handling, or synchronization to maintain reliability and performance. This approach enhances the efficiency of disaggregated RAN architectures by reducing latency and improving coordination between the central and distributed units.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the interface between the central unit and the distributed unit comprises an e-common public radio interface.
A method for wireless communication systems involves managing the interface between a central unit and a distributed unit in a radio access network. The central unit handles higher-layer functions such as radio resource control and packet data convergence protocol, while the distributed unit manages lower-layer functions like physical layer processing and radio frequency operations. The interface between these units is designed to support efficient communication and coordination. Specifically, the interface includes an e-common public radio interface, which standardizes the communication protocol between the central and distributed units. This interface ensures compatibility and interoperability across different network deployments, allowing for flexible and scalable network architectures. The method optimizes resource allocation and reduces latency by enabling seamless coordination between the central and distributed units, improving overall network performance and reliability. The use of a standardized interface simplifies integration with existing and future network components, facilitating easier upgrades and maintenance. This approach is particularly useful in modern wireless networks where distributed architectures are increasingly adopted to enhance coverage, capacity, and efficiency.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power saving policy relates to at least one of: a time of day, a target user, a target area, or a key performance indicator.
This invention relates to power management systems for optimizing energy consumption in computing environments. The core method involves dynamically adjusting power-saving policies based on specific conditions to improve efficiency while maintaining performance. The power-saving policies can be tailored to various factors, including the time of day, specific users, designated areas, or key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, power consumption may be reduced during off-peak hours or in underutilized areas, while ensuring critical operations meet performance targets. The system monitors these conditions in real-time and applies the appropriate policy to balance energy savings with operational requirements. This approach allows for flexible and adaptive power management, reducing unnecessary energy use without compromising system functionality. The invention is particularly useful in data centers, cloud computing, or other environments where energy efficiency is a priority. By dynamically adjusting policies based on contextual factors, the system ensures optimal power usage while maintaining service reliability.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power saving policy relates to at least one of: transmission power reduction, shutdown of transmission components, shutdown of reception components, shutdown of a cell, applying a certain beamforming mechanism, applying a certain cell usage, or applying a certain compression scheme.
This invention relates to power-saving techniques in wireless communication systems, specifically methods for optimizing energy consumption in network infrastructure. The problem addressed is the excessive power usage in wireless networks, particularly in base stations and other transmission/reception components, which can lead to higher operational costs and environmental impact. The invention provides a method for implementing power-saving policies that dynamically adjust various operational parameters to reduce energy consumption while maintaining network performance. The power-saving policies include reducing transmission power, shutting down transmission or reception components when not in use, deactivating entire cells during low-traffic periods, applying specific beamforming mechanisms to focus energy efficiently, optimizing cell usage patterns, and employing data compression schemes to minimize power-intensive processing. These policies are applied based on network conditions, traffic load, and user demand to ensure energy efficiency without compromising service quality. The method allows for flexible adaptation to different scenarios, such as peak and off-peak hours, to maximize power savings while sustaining network reliability. By selectively adjusting these parameters, the invention enables wireless networks to operate more sustainably and cost-effectively.
7. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: receive, from an element management system, one or more first messages indicating a power saving policy; determine, based on the one or more first messages, whether at least one power saving function applies to a distributed unit; determine an idle period; and after determining that the at least one power saving function applies to the distributed unit, send, to the distributed unit and via a network connection, a second message indicating the idle period; wherein the second message comprises a common public radio interface common header, a common public radio interface extended header, and a real time control payload section indicating the idle period.
This invention relates to power management in wireless communication networks, specifically for distributed units in radio access networks. The problem addressed is inefficient power consumption in distributed units, which are part of the radio access network infrastructure. The invention provides a system to dynamically apply power-saving functions to distributed units based on network policies, reducing energy consumption without disrupting service. The apparatus includes processors and memory storing instructions to execute a power-saving management process. It receives power-saving policy messages from an element management system, which defines conditions for activating power-saving functions. The apparatus analyzes these messages to determine if a distributed unit qualifies for power-saving measures. If applicable, it calculates an idle period during which the distributed unit can enter a low-power state. The apparatus then sends a control message to the distributed unit via a network connection, instructing it to enter the idle state. This control message includes a structured payload with a common public radio interface (CPRI) common header, an extended header, and a real-time control payload section that specifies the idle period. The CPRI protocol ensures compatibility with existing radio access network interfaces. The system enables dynamic power management while maintaining network performance.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the one or more first messages are one or more non-real time messages, and wherein the receiving the one or more first messages comprises receiving the one or more first messages via an interface between the apparatus and the element management system.
The invention relates to a communication apparatus designed to manage message exchange between a network element and an element management system (EMS). The apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently handling non-real-time messages, such as configuration updates or status reports, in a network environment. These messages are typically exchanged between network elements and their managing EMS to ensure proper operation and monitoring. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the apparatus to receive one or more non-real-time messages from the EMS via an interface. The interface facilitates communication between the apparatus and the EMS, ensuring seamless data exchange. The apparatus processes these messages to support network management functions, such as configuration adjustments or performance monitoring. The system may also include additional components, such as a network interface for communicating with the network element and a controller for managing message routing and processing. By focusing on non-real-time messages, the apparatus ensures that critical management tasks are performed without disrupting real-time network operations. The interface between the apparatus and the EMS allows for secure and reliable message transmission, enhancing overall network efficiency. This solution is particularly useful in telecommunications and data networks where timely but non-urgent management tasks are essential for maintaining system stability and performance.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the second message is a real time message, and wherein the sending the second message comprises sending the second message via an interface between the apparatus and the distributed unit.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving real-time message transmission between network components. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and timely communication between a central unit and a distributed unit in a distributed radio access network (RAN) architecture. The invention provides an apparatus that includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to send a second message, which is a real-time message, via an interface between the apparatus and the distributed unit. The apparatus also receives a first message from the distributed unit, processes the first message, and generates the second message based on the processed first message. The apparatus further includes a communication interface configured to send the second message to the distributed unit. The real-time nature of the second message ensures low-latency communication, which is critical for time-sensitive operations in wireless networks. The interface between the apparatus and the distributed unit facilitates direct and efficient data exchange, enhancing overall network performance. This solution is particularly useful in scenarios requiring rapid data transmission and processing, such as in 5G and beyond networks where low latency is essential for supporting advanced services like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the interface between the apparatus and the distributed unit comprises an e-common public radio interface.
A wireless communication system includes a central unit and a distributed unit that together form a base station. The central unit handles higher-layer functions like radio resource management, while the distributed unit manages lower-layer functions such as radio transmission and reception. The system uses an interface between the central unit and the distributed unit to facilitate communication. This interface is an e-common public radio interface, which standardizes the interaction between the two units. The e-common public radio interface ensures compatibility and interoperability between different vendors' equipment, allowing for flexible deployment and easier upgrades. The interface supports high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication, which are critical for modern wireless networks. The system may also include additional features such as dynamic resource allocation, load balancing, and support for multiple radio access technologies. The use of a standardized interface simplifies network management and reduces operational costs. The apparatus is designed to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability in wireless communication networks.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the power saving policy relates to at least one of: transmission power reduction, shutdown of transmission components, shutdown of reception components, shutdown of a cell, applying a certain beamforming mechanism, applying a certain cell usage, or applying a certain compression scheme.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for implementing power-saving policies in network nodes such as base stations. The problem addressed is the excessive energy consumption in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where traffic demand fluctuates or certain network components are underutilized. The invention provides an apparatus configured to dynamically adjust power consumption by applying various power-saving policies to different network components. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the processor to select and apply power-saving policies. These policies may include reducing transmission power, shutting down transmission or reception components, deactivating entire cells, applying specific beamforming mechanisms, adjusting cell usage patterns, or implementing data compression schemes. The selection of policies is based on network conditions, traffic load, or other operational parameters to optimize energy efficiency without compromising service quality. The apparatus may also monitor the effects of applied policies and adjust them in real-time to maintain performance while minimizing power consumption. This approach helps reduce operational costs and environmental impact in wireless networks.
12. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the power saving policy comprises the at least one power saving function or at least one condition triggering the at least one power saving function.
A power management system for electronic devices optimizes energy consumption by implementing configurable power saving policies. The system includes a power management module that monitors device operations and applies power-saving functions based on predefined conditions. These functions may include reducing processor clock speeds, disabling non-essential hardware components, or adjusting display brightness. The power saving policy defines which functions are activated and under what conditions, such as low battery levels, idle states, or specific application usage patterns. The system dynamically adjusts power consumption to extend battery life without compromising performance when needed. The power management module may also include a learning component that adapts policies based on historical usage data to further enhance efficiency. This approach ensures that power-saving measures are applied intelligently, balancing energy conservation with user experience. The system is particularly useful in portable devices where battery life is a critical factor.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to activate a power saving mode of the apparatus.
This invention relates to a computing or electronic apparatus designed to optimize power consumption. The apparatus includes one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed, perform various functions. These functions include monitoring system conditions, such as user activity or environmental factors, to determine when to activate a power-saving mode. The power-saving mode reduces energy consumption by adjusting hardware operations, such as lowering processor clock speeds, disabling non-essential components, or entering a low-power state. The apparatus may also include sensors or interfaces to gather data for making these determinations. The power-saving mode is triggered automatically based on predefined criteria, ensuring efficient energy use without manual intervention. This invention addresses the need for devices to conserve power while maintaining functionality, particularly in battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications. The apparatus may further include additional features, such as user-configurable settings or adaptive algorithms, to tailor power-saving behavior to specific use cases. The overall goal is to extend battery life or reduce energy costs while preserving performance when needed.
14. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: receive, from a central unit and via a network connection, a first message indicating an idle period; wherein the receiving the first message is based on: the central unit receiving, from an element management system, one or more second messages indicating a power saving policy; the central unit determining, based on the one or more second messages, whether at least one power saving function applies to the apparatus; the central unit determining the idle period; and after the central unit determining that the at least one power saving function applies to the apparatus; and activate, based on the first message and for the idle period, a power saving mode of the apparatus; wherein the first message comprises a common public radio interface common header, a common public radio interface extended header, and a real time control payload section indicating the idle period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to power management in networked devices. The problem addressed is inefficient power consumption in networked apparatuses, such as base stations or remote radio heads, which often operate continuously even when traffic is low. The solution involves a centralized power-saving mechanism where a central unit dynamically controls the power states of connected apparatuses based on network-wide policies. The apparatus includes processors and memory storing instructions to receive a first message from a central unit via a network connection. This message indicates an idle period during which the apparatus should activate a power-saving mode. The central unit determines this idle period after receiving one or more second messages from an element management system, which contain power-saving policies. The central unit evaluates these policies to decide if power-saving functions apply to the apparatus and then calculates the appropriate idle period. The first message includes a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) common header, an extended header, and a real-time control payload section specifying the idle period. Upon receiving this message, the apparatus enters a power-saving mode for the duration of the idle period, reducing energy consumption during low-traffic intervals. This approach enables dynamic, policy-driven power management across networked devices, improving energy efficiency without manual intervention.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the activating the power saving mode of the apparatus comprises powering off downlink processing components of the apparatus or uplink processing components of the apparatus.
This invention relates to wireless communication devices, specifically apparatuses configured to enter a power-saving mode to reduce energy consumption. The problem addressed is the excessive power consumption in wireless devices when idle or during low-activity periods, which shortens battery life and reduces efficiency. The apparatus includes a power management system that activates a power-saving mode by selectively powering off certain components. Specifically, the apparatus can deactivate downlink processing components, which handle incoming data transmission, or uplink processing components, which manage outgoing data transmission. This selective shutdown reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly resume full operation when needed. The apparatus may also include a control unit that monitors activity levels and triggers the power-saving mode based on predefined criteria, such as inactivity thresholds or signal conditions. The invention ensures that only necessary components remain active, optimizing energy efficiency without compromising functionality. This approach is particularly useful in battery-powered devices like smartphones, IoT sensors, and portable communication equipment.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the downlink processing components or the uplink processing components comprise at least one of: radio frequency transmission components of the apparatus, radio frequency reception components of the apparatus, baseband processing components of the apparatus, or antenna components of the apparatus.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses with configurable downlink and uplink processing components. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient processing of wireless signals in communication devices, such as base stations or user equipment, to adapt to varying network conditions and requirements. The apparatus includes downlink processing components for receiving and processing signals from a network and uplink processing components for transmitting signals to the network. These components can be dynamically configured to optimize performance. The invention specifies that the downlink or uplink processing components may include at least one of radio frequency (RF) transmission components, RF reception components, baseband processing components, or antenna components. RF transmission components handle the conversion and amplification of signals for transmission, while RF reception components receive and process incoming RF signals. Baseband processing components manage signal modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding. Antenna components facilitate the transmission and reception of wireless signals. By incorporating these configurable components, the apparatus can adapt to different communication standards, frequencies, and environmental conditions, improving efficiency and reliability in wireless networks. The invention ensures that the apparatus can dynamically adjust its processing capabilities to meet specific operational demands, enhancing overall system performance.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the activating the power saving mode of the apparatus comprises at least one of: modifying a beamforming mechanism, modifying a compression mechanism, or reducing transmission power of an output signal of the apparatus.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses that implement power-saving modes to reduce energy consumption while maintaining communication performance. The problem addressed is the need to conserve power in wireless devices without degrading signal quality or connectivity. The apparatus includes a power management module that activates a power-saving mode by adjusting one or more operational parameters. These adjustments include modifying beamforming mechanisms to optimize signal directionality and reduce unnecessary power usage, altering compression mechanisms to balance power consumption with data throughput, or reducing the transmission power of output signals to lower energy expenditure. The power-saving mode can be triggered based on various factors, such as network conditions, device usage patterns, or user preferences, ensuring efficient power management without compromising communication reliability. The apparatus may also include a monitoring module to track performance metrics and dynamically adjust the power-saving strategies in real-time. This approach allows wireless devices to operate more efficiently, extending battery life while maintaining acceptable signal quality and connectivity.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the first message is a real time message, and wherein the one or more second messages are one or more non-real time messages.
This invention relates to a communication apparatus designed to handle different types of messages in a network, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing real-time and non-real-time data transmission. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to obtain a first message, which is a real-time message requiring immediate processing, and one or more second messages, which are non-real-time messages that can be processed with less urgency. The apparatus also includes a processor that prioritizes the real-time message over the non-real-time messages, ensuring timely delivery and processing of critical data while efficiently handling less urgent information. Additionally, the apparatus may include a transmitter to send processed messages to their intended destinations. The system may further incorporate a memory to store messages temporarily, a scheduler to manage message transmission times, and a network interface to facilitate communication with other devices. The apparatus is particularly useful in environments where real-time data, such as live video streams or emergency alerts, must be prioritized over non-real-time data, such as file transfers or background updates, to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
19. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the receiving the first message comprises receiving the first message via an e-common public radio interface between the apparatus and the central unit.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically apparatuses for managing communication between a central unit and a distributed unit in a radio access network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and standardized communication protocols between these units to ensure reliable data transmission and network performance. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a first message from a central unit via an e-common public radio interface (e-CPRI). The e-CPRI is a standardized interface used for communication between the central unit and distributed units in a radio access network, enabling the transport of radio signals and control data. The first message may contain configuration data, synchronization signals, or other control information necessary for coordinating radio transmission and reception. The apparatus also includes a transmitter configured to send a second message to the central unit, which may include status updates, performance metrics, or acknowledgment signals. The apparatus further includes a processor that processes the received first message to extract relevant information and generate the second message. The processor may also perform error detection, signal processing, or other functions to ensure reliable communication. The invention improves network efficiency by standardizing the communication interface between the central unit and distributed units, reducing compatibility issues and enhancing interoperability. This ensures seamless integration of different network components, leading to better performance and scalability in wireless communication systems.
Unknown
November 3, 2020
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